We see Palm Sunday as a prelude to Easter and Jesus' resurrection. Perhaps it would be more accurate to think of that enthusiastic entry into Jerusalem as the first step of Jesus' journey to his crucifixion on Friday. It was a demonstration of the popularity of one Galilean peasant who captured the mood of people in Israel under Roman rule.
The joyful procession challenges the three ruling powers of Judea. It is a parody of Pontius Pilate's show of power to remind the Jews that any failure of loyalty to Rome has dire consequences. Jesus and his followers know this is dangerous. They do it anyway.
Shouts of "Hosanna" and references to the son of David alarm the priests and Temple elite. Such blasphemy threatens control of the populace and wrath from Pilate and Rome.
Herod Antipas, Rome-appointed tetrarch (ruler of a quarter part) aspires to be king of the whole Israel that his father, Herod the Great, once ruled. A rival king seriously threatens his ambitions.
The road to Easter passes through Good Friday. The stage has been set. The journey to the cross has begun.

Lenten Devotions
March 28, 2021